Learn all the dos and don’ts when it comes to receiving red pockets or lai see, during Chinese New Year with our etiquette guide
It’s that time of the year again, where splashes of red and gold seem to adorn every street in Hong Kong in preparation for Chinese New Year. It’s time to check if you have everything prepared—from flowers to puddings to qipaos––and of course, red packets (or lai see).
To some, giving and receiving lai see may be second nature, but to others, especially those new or unfamiliar with Chinese culture, it might be unfamiliar as there is a certain lai see code of conduct that should be respected.
To help you avoid any social faux-pas, we have put together a quick do’s and don’ts list to ensure that you breeze through Chinese New Year gaffe-free.
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1. Use two hands
Do not give or receive lai see with just one hand as this may be considered rude.
Do hold the red envelope with two hands when giving and receiving.
Do exchange greetings when handing out lai see. The most common being “kung hei fat choi” to wish for a prosperous new year or “sun tai king hong” to wish for good health.
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